Best Hookah Charcoal Burners UK 2025: How to Light Shisha Coals Properly
Lighting your hookah with natural coconut charcoal is the only way to achieve clean flavour and thick clouds. But if you don’t light your coals correctly, you risk harsh smoke, wasted shisha, and shorter sessions. The key? A reliable charcoal burner that can heat coals quickly, evenly and safely.
In this guide, we’ll compare the three main types of burners—coil, box-style and fan-assisted—highlight their differences, and give you tips on how to choose the best one for your setup.
Why You Need a Charcoal Burner
- Even heat: Natural coals cannot be lit with a lighter or match. Burners provide the consistent high temperature needed.
- Cleaner flavour: Fully lit coals prevent harshness and extend sessions.
- Speed: Modern burners heat coals in 5–10 minutes.
- Safety: Purpose-built burners are safer than open flames or gas stoves.
The 3 Main Types of Hookah Charcoal Burners
1. Open Coil Burner (Flat Plate Style)
How it works: A simple exposed coil heats directly, with coals sitting on top. Sometimes a mesh guard is included.
Pros:
- Fastest heating (5–8 minutes)
- Low cost and widely available
- Compact and portable
Cons:
- Coil burns out faster with heavy use
- Messy – ash and coal can damage coil
- Needs regular cleaning
Best for: Beginners or casual smokers who want a quick, affordable solution.
2. Box-Style Enclosed Burner
How it works: Heating element is hidden under a metal tray with ventilation. Coals sit on a raised grill.
Pros:
- Protects heating element from ash
- More durable than coil burners
- Large surface area – lights more coals at once
Cons:
- Slightly slower (8–12 minutes)
- Bigger and less portable
- Outer casing gets hot
Best for: Regular smokers who want durability and safer coal lighting.
3. Fan-Assisted / Vertical Burner
How it works: A vertical heating chamber with a fan circulates hot air around coals for even, rapid heating.
Pros:
- Fastest and most even heating (4–6 minutes)
- Less mess – ash doesn’t fall on element
- Great for heavy users or lounges
Cons:
- Most expensive option
- Bulkier design
- Fan parts may wear out over time
Best for: Enthusiasts, hookah lounges, or anyone who lights large amounts of coals often.
Comparison Table: Charcoal Burner Types
| Type | Heat Speed | Durability | Capacity | Price Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open Coil | 5–8 mins | Low | 2–4 coals | £ | Beginners, budget users |
| Box-Style | 8–12 mins | High | 6–8 coals | ££ | Regular smokers |
| Fan-Assisted | 4–6 mins | Medium–High | 6–10 coals | £££ | Enthusiasts, lounges |
How to Light Hookah Charcoal Properly
- Place coals evenly on your burner—don’t overcrowd.
- Set to maximum heat.
- Wait until coals are glowing red on all sides (5–10 minutes).
- Use tongs to rotate once or twice for even burning.
- Transfer only fully lit coals onto foil or HMD.
Pro tip: Always pair with natural coconut coals for the cleanest flavour.
Safety Tips for Using Charcoal Burners
- Always place on a heat-resistant surface.
- Keep away from flammable items.
- Do not leave unattended.
- Allow to cool completely before storing.
- Clean tray/coil after use to extend life.
FAQ: Hookah Charcoal Burners
Can I light coals on a gas stove?
It’s possible, but unsafe and messy. A proper hookah coal burner is faster, safer, and extends coal life.
How long does it take to heat coconut coals?
Depending on your burner: 4–12 minutes. Fan-assisted burners are fastest, box-style slower but safer.
How long do burners last?
Coil burners may last 6–12 months of heavy use, box-style 1–2 years, fan-assisted around 1 year with regular cleaning.
Which burner should beginners choose?
Beginners should start with an affordable open coil burner. Once smoking regularly, upgrade to a box-style burner for durability.
Final Verdict — Which Burner Is Best?
If you’re a casual smoker, pick the open coil burner. For daily smokers, the box-style burner offers the best balance of safety and durability. For lounges or heavy smokers, nothing beats a fan-assisted burner for speed and consistency.
Upgrade your sessions today with our full range of charcoal burners, paired with premium coconut coals and reliable hookah tongs from Kakas Hookahs.